Infrared Commercial Roof Inspections
A visual inspection cannot accurately identify moisture below the roof surface. A non-destructive infrared commercial roof survey is the perfect tool to detect moisture intrusion, damaged insulation, and/or other subsurface anomalies below the roof mat.
Infrared Commercial Roof Inspections by Certified Thermographers
Traditional commercial roof inspections rely on visible issues like cracks, punctures, or ponding water. However, a visual inspection cannot accurately identify moisture below the roof surface.
When water becomes trapped within roofing materials, it doesn’t simply remain in place; instead, it can gradually compromise the insulation’s efficiency, which leads to higher heating and cooling bills. Over time, this trapped moisture deteriorates roof membranes, ultimately shortening the lifespan of your commercial roof. Additionally, persistent moisture can result in structural damage, encourage mold growth, and cause water damage inside the building.
Finding out the true condition of your commercial roof is essential to knowing if it needs maintenance, repair, retrofit, or replacement.
An Infrared Inspection is the perfect tool to detect moisture intrusion, damaged insulation, air leaks, construction defects, and other subsurface anomalies below the roof mat without damaging the roof system.
How Does an Infrared Camera Work?
A thermal imaging camera detects the heat given off by an object. During the day, the sun heats your commercial roof as well as any moisture trapped within.
As the sun sets, the roof temperature begins to drop. However, any wet materials under its surface take longer to cool down. This moisture can be easily detected by the infrared camera.
Daylight Survey Photographs
These daylight survey photographs, along with the below thermograms, were presented to our client as part of their Comprehensive Infrared Inspection Report.
Overview of Lower Roof: Severe Ponding
Looking at South West Corner: Severe Ponding
Ponding
Overview of Lower Roof: Note Deep Ponding
Approaching Middle Level
Deep Ponds on Permeable EPDM
Ponding
Looking Toward Entranceway
Overview of Lower Roof
Overview Looking Toward Middle Level
Air Unit Area
Looking South
By Courtyard: Note Pond Stains
It was 7-9 days since the last rain and still ponds.
Core: Lower Level
Core: Lower Level
Mildly Wet Urethane
Still Ponds
Courtyard
Middle Level Overview: Note Severe Pond Stains
Middle Level Overview: Note Severe Pond Stains
This EPDM is FRAIL!
The details are poor!
Debris
Middle Level Core: Dry Fiberglass Under BUR
Wet Urethane
Upper Level: Unbelievable Debris and Ponding
Upper Level: Unbelievable Debris and Ponding
Rusted Deck Area
Debris and Ponding
Fastener Backout
Frail, Ripping, Old EPDM: Don’t attempt a coating!
No Coating with Residual Moisture in System!
You can’t preserve the EPDM.
Infrared Thermograms
Along with the above daylight photographs, this series of infrared thermograms were presented to our client as part of their Comprehensive Infrared Inspection Report.
View for reference: southwest corner lower roof
View for reference: overlooking parking lot
Panning right toward entrance: Blue/Cool/Dry
Panning right toward entrance: Blue/Cool/Dry
Panning further right
View looking at entrance (middle of thermogram): Dry
Looking toward HVAC unit: Cool/Dry
Roof Drain
This is dry, but debris gives off minor anomalies.
Our first wet insulation: lower roof
Second wet insulation: core area
Different angle, same area
Between HVAC units
Looking past courtyard: Dry
Panning toward Southeast side: mostly dry
Southeast side Lower roof: wet spot in background
View for reference
Wet spot by offset
Lower Roof, East Corner: small wet in background
Larger wet area near middle level roof
Same area, different angle
Vast bulk of lower roof looked like this: Dry
On middle level looking down at wet on Lower. Note: ladder
On middle level walking toward west side
Whole west side: Dry/Cool
In middle level by wall with upper
In middle level by wall with upper
Small wet area (5 x 5 max)
Larger wet area
Free form pattern
Free form pattern
Another small wet area
Another small wet area
The middle level: mostly dry with small wet interspersed
The middle level: mostly dry with small wet interspersed
View for reference: Upper Level West Side
View for reference: Looking at rear parking
Larger 25 x 12 wet area on west side of west half
Measuring
Still mostly dry
Bird feces and debris
Someone’s core, in between wet areas by 6 inches either side
The wet on either side
Large wet area by wall (74 x 40)
Different angle
Panning away by through wall: Dry
Wet near ventilator
Debris and feces readings
We got clear board readings all night in between mostly dry insulation.
Another series of wet boards (6 x 34)
Different angle
Small 8 x 8 reading by perimeter
Reading by large air vent
Note board patterns, then spreading out in free form
But bulk of roof is dry
Looking at wet areas in distance
Another clear board pattern
At north end of west upper
Reference shot looking over perim. side
Roof drain surrounded by dry insulation
East upper side by through wall (41 x 27)
Again, east upper mostly dry with wet interspersed
Again, east upper mostly dry with wet interspersed
Large wet area (86 x 33) near south wall
Wet boards clear
Some dry spots in general wet area
Different angle of section large wet area
Isolated wet boards near vent.
Infrared Inspection FAQ:
Find Hidden Problems Before They Become Costly Repairs!
As an independent third-party, Roofing Dynamics is the trusted advisor you need to inform you of the true condition of your roof. Roofing Dynamics provides building owners, property managers, and facility managers accurate assessment of existing commercial roofing conditions utilizing the latest technologies with an emphasis on personal attention, quality control, and cost-effectiveness.
